The New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation announced an additional $500,000 commitment to expand the Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football League from 15 participating schools in 2026 to 29 schools in 2027. The additional investment brings the foundation’s total support of the league to $1.5 million after its $1 million founding grant in 2025.
The announcement was made Nov. 5, 2026. The expansion is intended to create more opportunities for female athletes and strengthen the ECAC Women’s Flag Football League’s pathway for women’s flag football.
Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football League Adds 15 New Schools
The 2027 league will feature 15 new schools and 14 returning programs, according to the announcement. The new participants are Caldwell University, Chestnut Hill College, Dominican University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Iona University, Manhattan University, Point Park University, Roberts Wesleyan University, St. Joseph’s University, Long Island; St. Joseph’s University, Brooklyn; St. Thomas Aquinas College, Union College, Villa Maria College and William Smith College.
The returning programs are Centenary University, Eastern University, Franciscan University, Kean University, Long Island University, Marymount University, Mercy University, Mercyhurst University, Montclair State University, Mount St. Mary’s University, Penn State Schuylkill, Sacred Heart University, St. Joseph’s University and Wagner College. Mount St. Mary’s University will represent Maryland among the returning programs.
Marymount University Recognized at MetLife Stadium
Marymount University was recognized as the 2026 ECAC Women’s Flag Football champion during a championship celebration at MetLife Stadium. The recognition took place during the New York Jets-Dolphins game, and Marymount University received championship rings.
The celebration highlighted the league’s growth and the continued expansion of women’s flag football opportunities through the New York Jets, the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation and the ECAC. The foundation’s latest commitment will support the addition of more schools and student-athletes in 2027.
Foundation Support Reaches $1.5 Million
“The entire ECAC women’s flag community is thrilled that Woody Johnson, the New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation are enhancing their transformational commitment to our burgeoning flag football league,” said Dan Coonan, ECAC Commissioner. “This will enable twice as many programs and talented young women to pursue their athletic dreams. The talent and desire have always been there. They just lacked the opportunity. We are so appreciative of this monumental gift to advance this emerging sport, and cannot wait to kick off Year Two of ECAC Women’s Flag Football.”
“Betty Wold Johnson spent her life giving with compassion and opening doors for young people,” said Ken Farber, Executive Director of the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation. “That’s why it meant so much to see this year’s champions hoist ‘The Betty.’ The trophy carries her name and represents what she stood for: service, community and lasting impact. These athletes show what sports can do for personal growth, and as interest in women’s flag football accelerates, we’re proud to support the league’s expansion so even more young women have access to these transformative experiences.”
MSB Analysis
The move from 15 participating schools in 2026 to 29 in 2027 is the central development in the announcement. The additional $500,000 commitment raises the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation’s total support to $1.5 million, while Mount St. Mary’s University’s return gives Maryland a program in the expanded league.
Source: Original report
